Sue Peterson

She was born on October 4, 1939, in Burlington, Iowa, to Ralph and Anna Platt. The youngest of six children, she spent most of her happy childhood in Burlington, Iowa, where she graduated from Burlington High School. She earned nursing degree in 1960 from Mercy Hospital School of Nursing in Burlington, Iowa.

On September 3, 1960, Sue married Gary Peterson at the First United Methodist Church in Burlington. Together, they shared 65 years of marriage and raised three children: Dawn, Tod, and Chad.

Sue devoted more than 40 years to a fulfilling career as a nurse, with a special passion for geriatric health. She served in several Iowa school systems and local hospitals, and later retired as Director of Nursing at Heritage Manor, a long-term care facility in Newton, Iowa, in the early 2000s.

Sue had a deep love for music, birds, and flowers. She especially cherished baking Christmas cookies with her sister Mary and her granddaughters, and enjoyed playing card games like Phase 10 and King in the Corner with her family, often winning. Known for sending thoughtful cards and thank you notes, she also expressed her creativity through decorating and making her house a welcoming home.

Sue was an active member of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Papillion. She encouraged and celebrated her family’s successes and was known for her warm, infectious laugh. Her candid nature and sharp sense of humor were as memorable as they were beloved. When she was being especially sassy, her family would affectionately refer to her as “Susan,” a nickname that perfectly captured her spirited personality.

Sue is preceded in death by her parents, Ralph and Anna; siblings, Don, Ralph Jr., Marilyn (Mary) Boecker, Dick, and Carolee (Carol) Krekel; and daughter-in-law, Kathy Peterson.

She is survived by her devoted husband, Gary; her children, Dawn (Kevin) Engstrom, Tod Peterson, and Chad Peterson (Theresa); her granddaughters, Abbey, Sarah (Shawn), Emily, Haley, and Hannah (Harry); her great-grandchildren, Shay, Skye, Charlie, and Cooper; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Sue’s family extends their gratitude to the staff at Hillcrest Country Estates Cottages and the Hillcrest Hospice nurses for their compassionate care and support of Sue, as well as their continued support of the family. They also thank the many family members and friends who loved Sue as much as they did and have supported them during this difficult time.

Visitation will be held on Monday, January 5, 2026, from 5:00–7:00 p.m. at Kahler Dolce Mortuary, Papillion, Nebraska. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at 10:30 a.m., followed by interment at Cedar Dale Cemetery.